A King's Prayer

• WHEN GOD’S QUESTIONS: IT’S NOT A TRICK QUESTION, IT’S A TEST QUESTION.

“…God said, ‘Ask what you wish me to give you.’”

(I Kings 3:5 NASB)

1. PRAY FOR WISDOM BEYOND YOUR YEARS

“O Lord my God, now you have made me the king instead of my father David, but I am as a little child who doesn’t know his way around.”

(I Kings 3:7 LB)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

(James 1:5 NIV)

2. PRAY FOR GODLY WISDOM

“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

(I Kings 3:9 NASB)

• SMART, DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN WISE

“But, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.”

(James 3:14-15 NASB)

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

(James 3:17 NASB)

3. IF YOU STOP LISTENING TO GODLY WISDOM, EVENTUALLY GODLY WISDOM STOPS TALKING

“…you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. Let them judge the people at all times…”

(Exodus 18:21-22 NASB)

“I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.”

(I Kings 3:13 NASB)

Victory Group Questions:

1. What should we all pray (ask God) for? Why?

2. What’s the difference between Godly wisdom, and worldly wisdom? How can you tell the difference?

3. Do you see more foolishness, Godly wisdom, or worldly wisdom in the world today? Give examples.

4. How will you live differently from what you’ve learned?